TFN application for visa holders
Working holiday, student or skilled visa? We prepare your Tax File Number application, check it against your passport and visa, submit it and keep you updated until your TFN arrives.
Apply for my TFN
Avoid delays
Name, date of birth and passport details must match exactly. We check them before anything is submitted.
Guided form
Simple questions in plain English instead of official terminology. About 10 minutes on your phone.
Follow-up
We keep you informed and tell you what to do if your TFN has not arrived after 28 days.
Who needs a TFN?
A Tax File Number is your personal reference number in the Australian tax system. You need one if you will earn money in Australia — as an employee, contractor or business — and to open some bank accounts, receive superannuation and lodge a tax return. Without it, employers must withhold tax at the highest rate.
- Working holiday makers (subclass 417 and 462)
- International students with work rights (subclass 500)
- Skilled, partner and other visa holders with work rights
- New permanent residents
What you need
- A valid passport, with your visa linked to it
- A visa that allows you to work in Australia
- To be in Australia when you apply online
- An Australian postal address where you can receive mail
- An email address and phone number
Tip: check your visa conditions on VEVO. A "no work" condition means you can’t apply online.
How it works
Submit your details
Complete our secure online form in about 10 minutes.
Expert review and submission
We check every field against your passport and visa and submit your application to the ATO.
Receive your TFN by post
The ATO posts it to your Australian address. Allow up to 28 days from when it receives your application.
Common mistakes we prevent
- Names that don’t match the passport (middle names, order, spelling)
- Wrong passport number or expired passport
- Applying with a visa that has no work rights
- Missing or incomplete Australian postal address
- Applying twice — which slows everything down
Your two options
Both lead to the same official TFN, issued by the ATO.
| Apply yourself with the ATO | Apply with TaxGov | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | 99–199 AUD service fee |
| Who issues the TFN | ATO | ATO |
| Processing time | Up to 28 days | Up to 28 days (we can’t speed it up) |
| Guided form in plain language | ✕ | ✓ |
| Review before submission | ✕ | ✓ |
| Follow-up and support | ATO phone lines | ✓ Email and phone, 7 days |
TFN application FAQs
Do I need to send documents?
For online applications by visa holders, the ATO checks your identity using your passport and the visa linked to it, so you usually do not send documents. We check your details match your passport exactly, which is the most common reason for delays.
Can I apply as a tourist?
Visitors without work rights cannot use the online application. You can check your visa conditions on VEVO. If your visa has a "no work" condition, we tell you before you pay.
Do I need an Australian address?
Yes. The ATO posts your TFN to the Australian postal address on your application. A hostel, friend’s address or workplace can be used if you can receive mail there.
Can I start working before my TFN arrives?
Yes. You can start work and tell your employer you have applied. If you do not give them your TFN within 28 days, they must withhold tax at the highest rate.
What if I already had a TFN?
You keep the same TFN for life, even if you leave Australia and come back. Do not apply again — we can help you find out how to retrieve it.
Ready to get your TFN?
Complete our guided form in minutes. We check everything before it reaches the ATO.
Prefer to do it yourself? You can apply for free at ato.gov.au.